Benjamin Netanyahu Quotes

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About Benjamin Netanyahu

Benjamin Netanyahu, born on October 21, 1949, in Tel Aviv, Israel, is a prominent political figure who has served as the Prime Minister of Israel since 2009 and previously from 1996 to 1999. Born into a prestigious family with a deep connection to Zionism, Netanyahu's political career was significantly influenced by his father, Professor Benzion Netanyahu, a historian and prominent Zionist thinker. Netanyahu studied architecture and management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States before transitioning into politics. His academic journey included research on policy-making for nuclear energy under national security constraints. This experience would later prove instrumental in his political career, particularly in his approach to Israel's security matters. Returning to Israel in 1978, Netanyahu began his political career as an advisor to Minister of Foreign Affairs, Moshe Dayan. He was elected as a member of the Knesset (Israeli Parliament) for the first time in 1988, representing Likud, the party he has been affiliated with throughout his political life. Netanyahu served as Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations from 1984 to 1988, where he gained international recognition for his vocal advocacy of Israel's interests. In 1993, he became the eighth Prime Minister of Israel at the age of 44, making him one of the youngest heads of government in modern history. Some of Netanyahu's key works and policies include the Disengagement Plan from Gaza, the Iron Dome missile defense system, and his approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. His political stance is often characterized by a strong emphasis on Israel's security and its right to self-defense. Despite controversy and criticism, Netanyahu continues to be a significant figure in Israeli politics, shaping the country's domestic and foreign policy landscape.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"We face a enemy that hides behind his own people, firing rockets at our children and our civilians from mosques, schools and hospitals."

This quote suggests that Benjamin Netanyahu perceived the enemy he was referring to (likely Palestinian militants) as exploiting civilian areas such as mosques, schools, and hospitals for cover while launching attacks on Israeli civilians, specifically children. The implication is that this tactic is both cowardly and inhumane, using innocent people as human shields. It underscores the complexity of the Israel-Palestine conflict and emphasizes the need for mutual respect and protection of civilian areas during armed conflict.


"The Palestinian refugee problem was created artificially. It's not a real problem; it's an invented problem."

This statement suggests that former Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, believes the Palestinian refugee crisis, which began with the 1948 Arab-Israeli war, was intentionally manufactured rather than being a naturally occurring issue. He implies that the crisis is not based on genuine hardship or displacement but is instead a manipulated or exaggerated problem used for political purposes. However, it's important to note that many experts and human rights advocates strongly disagree with this perspective, arguing that the refugee crisis stems from historical events and ongoing conflicts in the region. The interpretation also underscores the ongoing controversy and complexity surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.


"Peace will come when the Arab world stops educating its people to hate Israel and Jews."

This quote by Benjamin Netanyahu suggests that peace between Israel and Arab nations may not be achievable as long as the education systems in these countries continue to promote or foster hatred towards Israelis and Jews. The implication is that tolerance, understanding, and peaceful coexistence can only occur when there's a shift in perspective and an emphasis on mutual respect and cooperation rather than hostility.


"Israel will not be Browning-Nagel'd, I promise you that. We will find a way to defend ourselves against any threat."

This quote by Benjamin Netanyahu refers to the strategic doctrine of "Browning-Nagel," a concept used in military strategy. The term is derived from two American defense analysts, Browning and Nagel, who advocated for a strong defensive position with minimal forces. Israel's Prime Minister, Netanyahu, seems to be using this phrase metaphorically, suggesting that Israel will not be forced into a weakened or compromised state (as suggested by the Browning-Nagel strategy) in the face of any potential threat. Instead, he assures that Israel will take all necessary measures to protect itself and maintain its sovereignty and security.


"It's time for Hamas to realize something very simple: If you want to change reality, you must change your tactics. Peace is the only answer. But for peace, you need to stop the war against Israel."

This quote by Benjamin Netanyahu conveys that the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas (a militant group in Gaza) needs a fundamental shift in strategy from both sides to achieve lasting peace. The implication is that the continued use of violence and warfare will not lead to resolution, but rather escalate the situation. Instead, Netanyahu suggests that Hamas should recognize that peaceful negotiations are essential for changing the current state of affairs, with Israel being a willing participant in this pursuit of peace.


Both peoples, both nations, deserve a nation-state of their own. Palestinians, if they wish so, will go to the Palestinian state; Jews, if they so wish, can go to the Jewish state. And we'll have to have security and demilitarization agreements between us.

- Benjamin Netanyahu

Jewish, Own, Nations, Palestinian

We're willing to make difficult and hard decisions and compromises to live in peace with our neighbours, but we're entitled to our own country where Jews from around the world can come here, just as Palestinians from around the world can come to the Palestinian state.

- Benjamin Netanyahu

Country, Here, Entitled, Palestinian

The Iranian acquisition of nuclear weapons would be infinitely more costly than any scenario you can imagine to stop it.

- Benjamin Netanyahu

Imagine, Iranian, Infinitely, Scenario

In my office in Jerusalem, there's an ancient seal. It's a signet ring of a Jewish official from the time of the Bible. The seal was found right next to the Western Wall, and it dates back 2,700 years, to the time of King Hezekiah. Now, there's a name of the Jewish official inscribed on the ring in Hebrew. His name was Netanyahu.

- Benjamin Netanyahu

Ring, Next, Netanyahu, Seal

Israel has, enjoys bipartisan support - both Democrats and Republicans - and we extend bipartisan hospitality to both Democrats and Republicans.

- Benjamin Netanyahu

Democrats, Republicans, Extend

Our policy is very simple. The Jewish state was set up to defend Jewish lives, and we always reserve the right to defend ourselves.

- Benjamin Netanyahu

Always, Very, Jewish State, Reserve

And by the way, a piece of news, Israel is the one country in which everyone is pro-American, opposition and coalition alike. And I represent the entire people of Israel who say, 'Thank you, America.' And we're friends of America, and we're the only reliable allies of America in the Middle East.

- Benjamin Netanyahu

America, Country, Entire, Allies

My first name, Benjamin, dates back a thousand years earlier to Benjamin - Binyamin - the son of Jacob, who was also known as Israel. Jacob and his 12 sons roamed these same hills of Judea and Sumeria 4,000 years ago, and there's been a continuous Jewish presence in the land ever since.

- Benjamin Netanyahu

Jewish, Back, Been, Dates

I often hear them accuse Israel of Judaizing Jerusalem. That's like accusing America of Americanizing Washington, or the British of Anglicizing London. You know why we're called 'Jews'? Because we come from Judea.

- Benjamin Netanyahu

London, Why, Accuse, Accusing

If we accept the notion that terrorists will have immunity because as they fire on civilians they hide behind civilians, then this tactic will be legitimized and the terrorists will have their greatest victory.

- Benjamin Netanyahu

Victory, Behind, Will, Immunity

Peace is purchased from strength. It's not purchased from weakness or unilateral retreats.

- Benjamin Netanyahu

Peace, Weakness, Purchased, Retreats

Hezbollah-controlled Lebanon now presides over the UN Security Council. This means, in effect, that a terror organization presides over the body entrusted with guaranteeing the world's security. You couldn't make this thing up.

- Benjamin Netanyahu

Over, Means, Terror, Lebanon

I think that a strong Israel is the only Israel that will bring the Arabs to the peace table.

- Benjamin Netanyahu

Strong, Think, I Think, Arabs

You don't have people chanting 'Death to America' in Israel.

- Benjamin Netanyahu

Death, People, Israel, Chanting

So I think we should stay focused on the real problem in the Middle East. It's not Israel. It's these dictatorships that are developing nuclear weapons with the specific goal of wiping Israel away.

- Benjamin Netanyahu

Away, Developing, I Think, Dictatorships

There's an abiding interest by the United States, by the American people, and by anybody with his eyes set in his head, to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

- Benjamin Netanyahu

United, United States, Set, Abide

First of all, Arafat is wrong. Jerusalem is Israel's capital, will never be divided, and will remain the capital of the State of Israel, the capital of the Jewish people, for ever and ever.

- Benjamin Netanyahu

Will, Capital, Jewish People, Arafat

I'm a proud member of the rabble.

- Benjamin Netanyahu

Proud, Member, Rabble

I say that to my colleagues, by the way, in the internal Cabinet meetings, I say, 'Look, I want to be very clear about what I want.' I just - I don't want a peace process, I want a peace result.

- Benjamin Netanyahu

Process, Very, Internal, Peace Process

Certainly the international community is putting a lot of pressure on Iran and making clear that its nuclear program must stop. If it stops with the sanctions, the combinations of sanctions, diplomacy, other pressures, I, as the prime minister of Israel, will be the happiest person in the world.

- Benjamin Netanyahu

Other, Happiest, Putting, Sanctions

But so far, you know who's been violating the nuclear nonproliferation pact day and night? Those who signed it. Iran, Iraq, Libya and Iran violates it while calling for Israel's destruction and racing to develop atomic weapons to that end.

- Benjamin Netanyahu

Racing, Been, While, Libya

Well, this is an unfortunate part of the UN institution. It's the - the theater of the absurd. It doesn't only cast Israel as the villain; it often casts real villains in leading roles: Gadhafi's Libya chaired the UN Commission on Human Rights; Saddam's Iraq headed the UN Committee on Disarmament.

- Benjamin Netanyahu

Villain, Villains, Leading, Libya

Why are we talking about talking? Why negotiating about negotiating? It's very simple. If you want to get to peace, put all your preconditions on the side, sit down opposite a table, not in a studio, by the way.

- Benjamin Netanyahu

Studio, Very, Side, Negotiating

Those in the international community that refuse to put red lines before Iran don't have a moral right to place a red light before Israel.

- Benjamin Netanyahu

Right, Before, Iran, International

I don't think Israel can accept an Iranian terror base next to its major cities any more than the United States could accept an al Qaeda base next to New York City.

- Benjamin Netanyahu

Next, United, Iranian, Base

Peace is something very dear. If you've been through wars and operations and battles, you want peace.

- Benjamin Netanyahu

Through, Been, Very, Battles

The Israeli government has proved over the past year its commitment to peace, both in words and deeds. By contrast, the Palestinians are posing preconditions for renewing the diplomatic process in a way they have not done over the course of 16 years.

- Benjamin Netanyahu

Year, Years, Palestinians, Posing

The greatest threat facing humanity is a radical Islamist regime meeting up with nuclear weapons.

- Benjamin Netanyahu

Radical, Regime, Facing, Weapons

The Obama presidency has two great missions: fixing the economy, and preventing Iran from gaining nuclear weapons.

- Benjamin Netanyahu

Gaining, Fixing, Preventing, Weapons

I can tell you one thing, Iran is closer to developing nuclear weapons today than it was a week ago, or a month ago or a year ago. It's just moving on with its efforts.

- Benjamin Netanyahu

Moving On, Week, Year, Weapons

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